More than 50 people released more than 100 balloons from a Faribault park on Oct. 3, in conjunction with the beginning of the recognized Pregnancy Loss and Awareness Month.

"It's a very emotional act for some people to do," she said. "Many people feel as though they are sending a message - in a way - to their child."

Sundwall said in five balloon releases during the past 17 years, the one Abend found near Deckerville is the farthest to be reported back. The previous record was about 500 miles away in southern Missouri.